Health Tips for February 10

Health Tip: Preventing Back Injury

Lifting objects -- sometimes even light ones -- is a common cause of back strain and injury.

To help prevent injury when lifting things, follow these techniques suggested by the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons:

* Don't try to lift or move heavy objects in a hurry. Take your time and plan what you need to do.
* Bend at the knees right in front of the object. Don't stand too far from it.
* Make sure your feet are positioned shoulder-width apart.
* With your stomach muscles tightened, lift with your leg muscles instead of with your back as you stand up.
* If the object seems too heavy, ask for help.

Health Tip: Learning to Use Crutches

Certain injuries require the use of crutches. But learning to use them can be a challenge.

Here are suggestions from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons to help you get around on crutches:

* When standing up straight, your crutches should reach to about 1 inch from your armpits, and the hand grips should be level to about the top of your hips.
* Keep your elbows slightly bent when holding the hand grips (they should naturally bend if the crutches are the right size).
* Put most of your weight and pressure on your hands, rather than on your armpits.
* Begin walking by positioning the crutches about 12 inches in front of you, and swing your body forward between the crutches, leading with the injured leg.
* When sitting down, back yourself up and gently lower yourself down into a sitting position, being careful to protect your injured leg.